When we launched our 30th anniversary Kars4Kids Mini Car Giveaway, we hoped to bring smiles to children and families across the country. What we didn’t expect was the overwhelming wave of heartfelt stories from people like Selene Silva of Palmerton, Pennsylvania.
Selene, a teen with a big heart, entered the giveaway with one wish in mind: to make her baby sister’s 3rd birthday extra special. “We’re having a rough patch,” Selene wrote to us, “and my little sister would LOVE a car like this for her 3rd birthday. So far we don’t have any presents for her and we’re stopping by the dollar tree for cake mix and that’s all we’re doing. If we could get this car she would have the best birthday ever!!”
Her words moved us deeply, and we were thrilled to inform her that she was our 145th winner.
What followed was a story full of joy, resilience, and sibling love. Selene kindly agreed to answer a few questions about what this moment meant for her and her family—and sent us the most delightful photos of her little sister enjoying her birthday surprise.
Here’s our conversation with Selene:
Kars4Kids: Can you tell us more about your little sister Aurora and why you wanted to win the mini car for her birthday?
Selene Silva: I wanted to win the car for Aurora since I knew she would love it and doesn’t get many big gifts.
A Big Surprise
Kars4Kids: What was going through your mind when you found out you won the mini car for your sister?
Selene Silva: At first I didn’t believe it and i was in shock. I was so happy when I found out I won! At first I wasn’t sure if it was real and honestly forgot I entered so it was a big surprise and I was so excited for her!
Kars4Kids: How did your little sister react when she saw or received the mini car? Can you describe that moment?
Selene Silva: Aurora was so excited. She came down the steps and was a little confused at first why a car was on the table. But when we took it onto the floor and she got in she had a HUGE smile on her face and was SO happy! She was riding it back and forth and trying to run us over. She was so happy.
A Rough Patch
Kars4Kids: You mentioned in your entry that your family is going through a rough patch. How has this win impacted your family, especially as you prepare for your sister’s 3rd birthday?
Selene: We were going through a bit of a rough patch and still are. It is better now but this win made us know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and everything happens for a reason. This was a great addition to her third birthday and was probably her favorite gift!
Kars4Kids: How did you hear about the Kars4Kids mini car giveaway, and what made you decide to enter?
Selene Silva: I heard about it in an instagram ad. I saw it and thought even if it is fake what’s the harm and if it was real there was such a low chance I would win but it was free so why not!
A Message from Selene
Kars4Kids: Is there anything else you’d like to share about what this win means to you and your family, or a message you’d like to send to Kars4Kids?
Selene: Kars4Kids you are the best! You made my little sisters birthday and what your doing is amazing. Keep up the great work!!
